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This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. Why does Mrs. Thompson kiss her husband on the ear in "Chapter 5"?

2. How did Gikonyo become interested in carpentry?

3. In "Chapter 6," what does Gikonyo make money building?

4. What group did Lieutenant Koina used to belong to?

5. In "Chapter 5," what does Mr. Thompson want to tell his wife but doesn't?

Short Essay Questions

1. In "Chapter 2," what explanation is given for the Movement?

2. In "Chapter 2," how do Kenyans feel about women rulers?

3. How does the narrator say Gikonyo courted Mumbi?

4. How does Mugo feel about the land he receives, after leaving the detention center?

5. In "Chapter 1," what things do the villagers talk with Mugo about?

6. How does Gikonyo's father throwing him and his mother out change him?

7. In "Chapter 2," who are some of rebels that are described?

8. In "Chapter 4," what does the narrator say about trains?

9. In "Chapter 3," what makes Gikonyo want to visit with Mugo?

10. In "Chapter 7," what turning point in Kihika's life does the narrator describe?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

What is the role of religion in "A Grain of Wheat"? Especially consider the Christianity white men bring to Kenya.

Essay Topic 2

Research Kenyan independence and analyze the historical accuracy in this novel.

Essay Topic 3

How is Thompson a hero in this novel? How is he a villain?

(see the answer keys)

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